“You know how you can get a balance inquiry at the ATM machine? Well, I’ll be that woman asking for a printout,” says Sylvia, laughing. “The bank may have to replace the paper in the machine!”

The news of the well-liked couple’s win spread quickly after Jim checked his ticket at the local Circle K.

“The screen said to contact Atlantic Lottery because I’d won a major prize, so I asked how much,” recalls Jim. “When he printed it out, he said there were a lot of zeroes. But I still didn’t know the amount; couldn’t read it without my glasses!”

When Jim started calling family to share his news, nobody believed him. Even Sylvia, who was shopping when she got the call, thought Jim was pulling her leg.

Reality set in when she stopped to buy a ticket and a friend said to her, “You don’t need to, Jim already won!”

The couple has already met with a financial advisor.

“To get our ducks in a row,” explains Jim. “We’re going to be debt-free and have peace of mind.”

There are a few modest indulgences planned including landscaping, paving the driveway and installing an in-ground pool for the kids. Jim’s getting a new hockey stick and a golf club membership.

Beyond that they say they’ll simply enjoy seeing the healthy bank account balance from now on.